Real Madrid step up interest in Manchester United goalkeeper David de Gea

Manchester United look set to face a fight to keep hold of David de Gea, with Real Madrid said to be stepping up their interest in the Spanish stopper.

De Gea has been United’s outstanding performer in what has been another difficult season and his displays have caught the attention of the European champions.

The 23-year-old’s current Old Trafford contract runs until 2016 and according to the Sun, Real are hoping to snap up De Gea as Iker Casillas’ long-term replacement on a cut-price deal next summer.

The former Atletico Madrid stopper is believed to be keen on a move to the Bernabeu and Real chiefs are said to be confident of sealing a deal if Man United fail to qualify for the Champions League for a second successive year.